Herbicidal benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles

ABSTRACT

It has now been found that certain novel benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles are useful as pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. These compounds are represented by formula I: ##STR1## where Q is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3 -yl, 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-on-1-yl, 4-halo-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methylpyrazol-3-yl, a 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimid-1-yl, 8-thia-1,6-diazabicyclo 4.3.0!-nonane-7-on-9-iminoyl, 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-dion-2-yl, 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-2-yl, 1,4-dihydro-4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5H-tetrazole-5-on-1-yl or a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo- 4,3-a!pyridin-3(2H)-on-2-yl moiety; Z is oxygen, sulfur or CH 2  ; n is 0 or 1, and W, X, Y, R, and R 1  are as described in the specification. Preferred are those compounds where W is oxygen; X is hydrogen or fluoro; Y is methyl or ethyl; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is methyl; and R 1  is hydroxyalkyl or CH 2  OCONHCH 3 .

This is a provisional application Ser. No. 60/047,479 filed May 23, 1997.

This is a provisional application Ser. No. 60/047,479 filed May 23, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to novel herbicidal compounds and methods for their use in controlling unwanted plant species in agriculture. In particular, it pertains to herbicidal benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles, and more particularly it pertains to herbicidal benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles where the benzyl ring has attached to it a substituted alkyl or alkoxy group and the heterocycle is a 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3-yl, a 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-on-1-yl, a 4-halo-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methylpyrazol-3-yl, a 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalim1d-1-yl, a 8-thia-1,6-diazabicyclo 4.3.0!-nonane-7-on-9-iminoyl, a 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-dion-2-yl, a 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-2-yl, a 1,4-dihydro-4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5H-tetrazole-5-on-1-yl, or a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo- 4,3-a!pyridin-3(2ZH)-on-2-yl moiety.

There is a continuing demand for new herbicides. Herbicides are useful for controlling unwanted vegetation which may otherwise cause significant damage to crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans and cotton, to name a few. For crop protection, so-called "selective" herbicides are desired which can control the weeds without damaging the crop. Such crops are said to exhibit tolerance to the herbicide. In certain other situations, it is desirable to use herbicides that provide complete vegetation control such as in areas around railroad tracks and other structures. While many commercial products are available that provide selective or complete vegetation control, the demand exists for new, safe herbicides that are more effective and less costly.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,262,390 and 5,344,812 (both to FMC) describe certain herbicidal benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles of the following formula: ##STR2## in which A is an alkanoate group or derivative bonded to the phenoxy oxygen at the alpha carbon of the alkanoate, W is oxygen or sulfur, Q is a heterocycle, and Y, X, Z and Z' are selected from various substituents. The scope of these herbicides is limited to those compounds having the AO group attached to the benzyl ring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that certain novel benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles are useful as pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. These compounds are represented by formula I: ##STR3## where Q is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3-yl, 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-on-1-yl, 4-halo-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methylpyrazol-3-yl, a 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimid-1-yl, 8-thia-1,6-diazabicyclo 4.3.01-nonane-7-on-9-iminoyl, 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-dion-2-yl, 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-2-yl, 1,4-dihydro-4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5H-tetrazole-5-on-1-yl, or 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo- 4,3-a!pyridin-3(2H)-on-2-yl; Z is oxygen, sulfur or CH₂ ; n is 0 or 1, and W, X, Y, R, and R¹ are as described below. Preferred are those compounds where W is oxygen; X is hydrogen or fluoro; Y is methyl or ethyl; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is methyl; and R¹ is hydroxyalkyl or CH₂ OCONHCH₃.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain novel benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles are useful as pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. These compounds are represented by formula I: ##STR4## where Q is ##STR5## W is oxygen or sulfur; X is hydrogen, halogen, or lower alkyl;

Y is hydrogen, halogen, straight or branched chain lower alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, phenyl, or phenoxy;

n is 0 or 1;

Z is oxygen, sulfur, or CH₂ ;

R is hydrogen, halogen, or lower alkyl;

R¹ is cyano, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, dialkoxyalkyl, trialkylsilyloxyalkyl, formyl, carboxyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyloxyalkyl, alkylcarbonylaminoalky, alkoxycarbonylaminoalkyl, alkylsulfonylaminoalkyl, alkylaminocarbonyloxyalkyl, arylaminocarbonyloxyalkyl, alkoxyiminoalkyl, epoxy, 1,3-dioxan-4-yl, or 2,2-dialkyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl;

R² is hydrogen, amino, straight or branched chain alkyl, haloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, arylalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or sodium salt; and

R³ is halogen; with the proviso that when Z is oxygen and n is 1, R¹ is other than alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, or alkylcarbonyl.

For Q in formula I, the above structural moieties may also be identified by their chemical names as follows: ##STR6## where "A" is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3-yl, "B" is 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-on-1-yl, "C" is 4-halo-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methylpyrazol-3-yl, "D" is 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimid-1-yl, "E" is 8-thia-1,6-diazabicyclo 4.3.0!-nonane-7-on-9-iminoyl, "F" is 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-dion-2-yl, "G" is 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-2-yl, "H" is 1,4-dihydro-4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5H-tetrazole-5-on-1-yl, and "J" is 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo- 4,3-a!pyridin-3(2H)-on-2-yl.

One aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3-yl and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, R¹ and R² are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-on-1-yl and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, and R¹ are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 4-halo-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methylpyrazol-3-yl and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, R¹ and R³ are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimid-1-yl and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, and R¹ are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 8-thia-1,6-diazabicyclo 4.3.0!-nonane-7-on-9-iminoyl, and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, and R¹ are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-dion-2-yl and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, and R¹ are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-2-yl, and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, and R¹ are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 1,4-dihydro-4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5H-tetrazole-5-on-1-yl, and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, and R¹ are as described above.

Another aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula I where Q is 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo- 4,3-a!pyridin-3(2H)-on-2-yl, and W, X, Y, Z, n, R, and R¹ are as described above.

Preferred compounds are those of formula I where W is oxygen; X is hydrogen or fluoro; Y is methyl or ethyl; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is methyl; and R¹ is hydroxyalkyl or CH₂ OCONHCH3.

Particularly preferred are those compounds of formula I where Q is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3-yl; W is oxygen; X is hydrogen or fluoro; Y is methyl or ethyl; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is methyl; R¹ is CH₂ OH,C(CH₃)₂ OH, or CH₂ OCONHCH₃ ; and R² is methyl or amino.

Certain intermediates of the present invention are novel. These include compounds of formula II: ##STR7## where Y and R are as described above;

U is formyl or CH₂ -T;

T is chloro, bromo, hydroxy, or 1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxy;

n is 1;

Z is oxygen; and,

R¹ is cyano, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, 1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxyalkyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl, or 1,3-dioxan-4-yl;

with the proviso that when Y is methyl, U is formyl, and R is hydrogen, R¹ is other than alkoxyalkyl.

As used in this specification and unless otherwise indicated the terms "alkyl", "alkenyl", "haloalkyl", and "alkoxy" used alone or as part of a larger moiety includes 1 to 6 carbon atoms. "Halogen" refers to fluorine, bromine, or chlorine. The terms "DMF" refers to N,N'-dimethylformamide and "THF" refers to tetrahydrofuran.

The benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocyles of formula I are prepared by methods similar to those known to one skilled in the art. ##STR8##

Scheme 1 above illustrates a general procedure for preparing compounds of formula I where n is 1, and Z and W are oxygen. A heterocyclic-substituted phenol 1 may be coupled with either an appropriately substituted alkyl halide 2 (T is chlorine or bromine) according to step (a) or with an alkyl alcohol 2 (T is OH) according to step (b). The preparation of the phenols 1 are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,262,390, 5,344,812 and 5,032,165 which are incorporated herein by reference. ##STR9##

Scheme 2 above shows a preparation of the benzyl alcohol and benzyl halide intermediates 2a and 2b, respectively. A salicaldehyde 3 (Z is oxygen, n is 1) may be alkylated with a substituted alkyl bromide according to step (a) to provide the intermediate benzaldehyde 4. Alternatively, 3 may be alkylated with an alkyl mesylate (RR¹ CHOSO₂ C₃) rather than an alkyl bromide using potassium carbonate in DMF according to step (d). The mesylate, for example, was used in reactions where R is H and R¹ is a 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl or 1,3-dioxan-4-yl group. The benzaldehyde 4 may be reduced to the alcohol 2a (T is OH) according to step (b). Other methods for reducing 4 may be used depending on the nature of the R¹ group. For example, when R¹ is CN, CH₂ OCH₃, 2,2-dirnethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl or 1,3-dioxan4-yl, 4 may be reduced to the alcohol using 5% or 10% palladium on carbon. Alternatively, if R¹ is CH₂ OSi(CH₃)₂ C(CH₃)₃, 4 may be reduced using borane in THF at -30° to -40° C. Converting the T group in intermediate 2a from hydroxyl to chlorine 2b is achieved according to step (c). Alternatively, the T group in 2a may be converted from hydroxyl to bromine using CBr₄ and Ph₃ P in methylene chloride at 0° to 10° C. ##STR10##

Certain of the compounds of this invention may be obtained through the use of common intermediates. An example of such a common intermediate is 2c in Scheme 3 above. Compounds of formula I where R¹ is CO₂ CH₃ may be obtained directly via 2c following the general route outlined in Scheme 1 or, as exemplified in Scheme 3, 2c may be first converted to other intermediates such as 2d which may used to obtain other compounds of formula I.

Compounds of the present invention are prepared in accordance with the procedures shown in the Examples below, by procedures analogous to those shown in the Examples, or by other methods that are generally known or available to one skilled in the art.

EXAMPLE 1 1-METHYL-6-TRIFLUOROMETHYL-3- 4- 4ETHYL-2-(1,3-DIOXAN-4-YLMETHOXY)PHENYLMETHOXY!PHENYL!-2,4(1H,3H)-PYRIMIDINEDIONE (COMPOUND 129)

Step (a) Synthesis of 4-methylsulfonyloxymethyl-1,3-dioxane

A stirred solution of 16.2 grams (0.137 mole) of 1,3-dioxan-4-ylmethanol and 16.7 grams (0.165 mole) of triethylamine in 250 mL of methylene chloride was cooled to about -20° C., and a solution of 17.3 grams (0.151 mole) of methanesulfonyl chloride in about 25 mL of methylene chloride was added dropwise. Upon completion of addition the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature as it stirred for one hour. The reaction mixture was then washed with water and dried with magnesium sulfate. The mixture was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified using column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 18.1 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (b) Synthesis of 4-ethyl-2-(1,3-dioxan-4-ylmethoxy)benzaldehyde

A stirred solution of 3.8 grams (0.026 mole) of 5-ethyl-2-formylphenol, 5.0 grams (0.026 mole) of 4-methylsulfonyloxymethyl-1,3-dioxane, and 7.0 grams (0.051 mole) of potassium carbonate in 150 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide was heated at 80° C. for about 18 hours. Analysis by thin layer chromatography (TLC) indicated the reaction was not complete. An additional 2.5 grams (0.013 mole) of 4-methylsulfonyloxymethyl-1,3-dioxane was added, and the reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for an additional five hours. After this time the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with aqueous 10% lithium chloride, dried with magnesium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 3.6 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (c) Synthesis of 4-ethyl-2-(1,3-dioxan-4-ylmethoxy)phenylmethanol

Using a Parr hydrogenator, 3.4 grams (0.014 mole) of 4-ethyl-2-(1,3-dioxan-4-ylmethoxy)benzaldehyde in 200 mL of ethanol was hydrogenated in the presence of 5% palladium on carbon for two hours at 50 psi. The yield of subject compound was 2.3 grams, following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (d) Synthesis of 4-ethyl-2-(1,3-dioxan-4-ylmethoxy)phenylmethylchloride

A solution of 0.5 mL (0.007 mole) of thionyl chloride and a catalytic amount of pyridine in about 80 mL of methylene chloride was stirred, and a solution of 1.6 grams (0.006 mole) of 4-ethyl-2-(1,3-dioxan-4-ylmethoxy)phenylmethanol in about 20 mL of methylene chloride was added dropwise. Upon completion of addition the reaction mixture stirred at ambient temperature for about 18 hours. The reaction mixture was then washed with water, dried with magnesium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 2.2 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (e) Compound 129

This compound was prepared in the manner of Step (b) of the present Example, using 0.8 gram (0.003 mole) of 1-methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione, 0.7 gram (0.003 mole) of 4-ethyl-2-(1,3-dioxan-4-ylmethoxy)phenylmethyl chloride, and 0.7 gram (0.005 mole) of potassium carbonate in 60 mL of DMF. The yield of Compound 129 was 1.1 grams (mp 118°-121° C.), following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 2 1-METHYL-6-TRIFLUOROMETHYL-3- 4- 4-ETHYL-2- 2-(1,1-DIMETHYL-ETHYL)DIMETHYLSILYLOXY)ETHOXY!PHENYLMETHOXY!PHENYL!-2,4(1H,3H)-PYRIMIDINEDIONE (COMPOUND 133)

Step (a) Synthesis of 4-ethyl-2- 2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxy)-ethoxy!benzaldehyde

This compound was prepared in a manner analogous to that of Step (b) of Example 1, using 17.0 grams (0.113 mole) of 5-ethyl-2-formylphenol, 27.7 grams (0.116 mole) of 2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxy)ethyl bromide, 19.2 grams (0.139 mole) of potassium carbonate, and a catalytic amount of 18-crown-6 in 200 mL of THF. The yield of the subject compound was 12.7 grams, following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (b) Synthesis of 4-ethyl-2- 2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxy)-ethoxy!phenylmethanol

A stirred solution of 12.2 grams (0.039 mole) of 4-ethyl-2- 2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxy)ethoxy!benzaldehyde in 100 mL of tetrahydrofuran was cooled to -30° C., and 20 mL (0.020 mole) of borane--tetrahydrofuran complex was added dropwise. Upon completion of addition the reaction mixture was stirred for one hour, then poured into water. The mixture was extracted with three 100 mL portions of ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried with magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 11.2 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (c) Compound 133

A solution of 2.8 grams (0.010 mole) of 1-methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione, 3.0 grams (0.010 mole) of 4-ethyl-2- 2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxy)ethoxy!phenylmethanol, 2.4 mL (0.015 mole) of diethylazodicarboxylate, and 3.9 grams (0.015 mole) of triphenylphosphine in 20 mL of THF was stirred at 0°-10° C. for about 18 hours. After this time the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with three 70 mL portions of ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried with magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 3.9 grams of Compound 133. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 3 2- 5-ETHYL-2- 4- 1-METHYL-6-TRIFLUOROMETHYL-2,4(1H,3H)-PYRIMIDINEDION-3-YL!PHENOXYMETHYL!PHENOXY!ETHANOL (COMPOUND 71)

A solution of 0.8 gram (0.0013 mole) of Compound 133 in 8 mL of acetic acid and 2 mL of water was stirred for one hour. After this time the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was dissolved in water and extracted with three 40 mL portions of methylene chloride. The combined extracts were dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was dried under high vacuuum, yielding 0.6 gram of Compound 71. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 4 2- 5-ETHYL-2- 4- 1-METHYL-6-TRIFLUOROMETHYL-2,4(1H,3H)-PYRIMIDINEDION-3-YL!PHENOXYMETHYL!PHENOXY!ETHYLMETHYLCARBAMATE (COMPOUND 147)

A solution of 1.0 gram (0.002 mole) of Compound 71 in 3.0 mL of methylene chloride was stirred, and 0.2 gram (0.003 mole) of methyl isocyanate was added, followed by a catalytic amount of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). Upon completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for about 18 hours. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture indicated that the proposed reaction had not taken place. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. One mL of methyl isocyanate was added to the residue, and the mixture stirred with a spatula. The resultant solid was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 0.8 gram of Compound 147, mp 148-52° C. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 5 2-METHYL-3- 5-ETHYL-2- 3-FLUORO-4- 4-DIFLUOROMETHYL-4,5-DIHYDRO-3-METHYL-1,2,4-TRIAZOL-5(1H)-ON-1-YL!PHENOXYMETHYL!PHENOXY!PROPAN-2-OL (COMPOUND 137)

Step (a) ethyl (5-ethyl-2-formylphenoxy)acetate as an intermediate

This compound was prepared in the manner of Step (a) of Example 2, using 30 grams (0.20 mole) of 5-ethyl-2-formylphenol, 36.7 grams (0.22 mole) of ethyl bromoacetate, 33.2 grams (0.24 mole) of potassium carbonate, and a catalytic amount of 18-crown-6 in 250 mL of THF. The yield of the subject compound was 42.4 grams, following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (b) ethyl (5-ethyl-2-hydroxymethylphenoxy)acetate This compound was prepared in the manner of Step (b) of Example 2, using 41.8 grams (0.177 mole) of ethyl (5-ethyl-2-formylphenoxy)acetate, and 8.3 grams (0.097 mole) of borane-tetrahydrofuran complex in 200 mL of THF. The yield of the subject compound was 38.1 grams, following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (c) ethyl 5-ethyl-2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxymethyl)phenoxy!acetate

A solution of 37.6 grams (0.159 mole) of ethyl (5-ethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-phenoxy)acetate, 28.8 grams (0.191 mole) of 1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyl chloride, and 13.0 grams (0.191 mole) of imidazole in 300 mL of methylene chloride was stirred at ambient temperature for about 18 hours. After this time the reaction mixture was poured into water. The mixture was extracted with three 120 mL portions of methylene chloride. The combined extracts were dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 53.6 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (d) 2-methyl-3- 5-ethyl-2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxymethyl)phenoxy!propan-2-ol

A stirred solution of 19 mL (0.057 mole) of methylmagnesium chloride (3.0M in THF) in about 30 mL of THF was cooled to 0° C., and a solution of 5.0 grams (0.014 mole) of ethyl 5-ethyl-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl-dimethylsilyloxymethyl)phenoxy!acetate in about 15 mL of THF was added dropwise. Upon completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for one hour, then it was allowed to warm to ambient temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into water, and solid ammonium chloride was added until phase separation occured. The mixture was then extracted with three 80 mL portions of diethyl ether. The combined extracts were dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was dried under high vacuum, yielding 4.8 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (e) 4-ethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)phenylmethanol

A solution of 4.3 grams (0.013 mole) of 2-methyl-3- 5-ethyl-2-(1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxymethyl)phenoxy!propan-2-ol in 25 mL of tetrahydrofuran was stirred, and 3.7 grams (0.014 mole) of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1.0M in tetrahydrofuran) was added portionwise. Upon completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for five hours. After this time the reaction mixture was poured into water containing a small amount of ammonium chloride. The mixture was extracted with three 70 mL portions of ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 2.7 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (f) Compound 137

This compound was prepared in the manner of Step (c) of Example 2, using 2.0 grams (0.008 mole) of 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1-(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-one, 1.9 mL (0.012 mole) of diethylazodicarboxylate, and 3.0 grams (0.012 mole) of triphenylphosphine in about 20 mL of THF. The yield of Compound 137 was 1.0 gram, following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 6 2-METHYL-3- 5-ETHYL-2- 3-FLUORO-4- 4-DIFLUOROMETHYL-4,5-DIHYDRO-3-METHYL-1,2,4-TRIAZOL-5(1H)-ON-1-YL!PHENOXYMETHYL!PHENOXY!PROPAN-2-YL ACETATE (COMPOUND 138)

A solution of 0.40 gram (0.0009 mole) of Compound 137,0.18 gram (0.0017 mole) of acetic anhydride, and 0.21 gram (0.0017 mole) of DMAP in 10 mL of methylene chloride was stirred at ambient temperature for about 18 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into water, and the mixture was extracted with three portions of 50 mL each of methylene chloride. The combined extracts were dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 0.43 gram of Compound 138. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 7 1-METHYL-6-TRIFLUOROMETHYL-3- 4- 4-ETHYL-2-(2-METHOXYETHOXY)PHENYLMETHOXY!PHENYL!-2,4(1H,3H)PYRIMIDINEDIONE (COMPOUND 73)

Step (a) 4-ethyl-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylmethanol

This compound was hydrogenated in the manner of Step (c) of Example 1, using 7.5 grams (0.036 mole) of 4-ethyl-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)benzaldehyde in 200 mL of ethanol in the presence of 10% palladium on carbon. The yield of the subject compound was 1.8 grams, following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (b) 4-ethyl-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylmethyl bromide

A stirred solution of 1.6 grams (0.007 mole) of 4-ethyl-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylmethanol and 3.1 grams (0.009 mole) of carbon tetrabromide in 20 mL of methylene chloride was cooled to 0° C., and 2.9 grams (0.011 mole) of triphenyl phosphine was added portionwise. Upon completion of addition the reaction mixture stirred for 15 minutes, then concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was stirred with diethyl ether and filtered. The filter cake was slurried with diethyl ether and collected by filtration. The slurrying with diethyl ether was repeated. The combined ether extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, yielding 1.8 grams of the subject compound. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Step (c) Compound 73

This compound was prepared in the manner of Step (b) of Example 1, using 1.0 gram (0.004 mole) of 4-ethyl-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylmethyl bromide, 1.4 grams (0.005 mole) of 1-methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione, and 0.7 gram (0.005 mole) of potassium carbonate in 20 mL of DMF. The yield of Compound 73 was 0.4 gram, following purification by column chromatography on silica gel. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Representative compounds of this invention are listed in Table 1.

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Herbicidal Benzyloxyphenyl-substituted Heterocycles                            __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR11##                                                                     where W is oxygen; Q is one of the following moieties:                          ##STR12##                                                                                    ##STR13##                                                                                ##STR14##                                              ##STR15##                                                                                    ##STR16##                                                                                ##STR17##                                              ##STR18##                                                                                    ##STR19##                                                                                ##STR20##                                             Cmpd No.                                                                            X  Y    n Z  R  R.sup.1    Q R.sup.2 or R.sup.3                           __________________________________________________________________________     1    H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     2    H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Br                                           3    F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Cl                                           4    F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      B --                                           5    F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     6    F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     7    H  H    1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           8    H  Cl   1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           9    H  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH H  CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           10   F  Cl   1 CH CH.sub.3                                                                          CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           11   H  Cl   1 CH Cl CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           12   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           13   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           14   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CO.sub.2 H C Cl                                           15   F  Cl   1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CONH.sub.2 C Cl                                           16   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CONHCH.sub.3                                                                              C Cl                                           17   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl COCH.sub.3 C Cl                                           18   F  H    1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         C Cl                                           19   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     0 -- CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        C Cl                                           20   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     0 -- H  C N        C Cl                                           21   F  Cl   0 -- CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        C Cl                                           22   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        C Cl                                           23   F  F    0 -- CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        C Cl                                           24   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     0 -- CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        C Cl                                           25   Cl C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     26   Br C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     27   CH.sub.3                                                                          C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     28   H  H    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     29   H  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     30   H  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     31   H  F    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     32   H  OCH.sub.3                                                                           1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     33   H  OC.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     34   H  Br   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     35   H  tC.sub.4 H.sub.9                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     36   H  nC.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     37   H  iC.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     38   H  nC.sub.4 H.sub.9                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     39   H  C.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     40   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     41   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     42   F  nC.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     43   F  iC.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     44   F  nC.sub.4 H.sub.9                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     45   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A NH.sub.2                                     46   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A NH.sub.2                                     47   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A NH.sub.2                                     48   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      B --                                           49   F  iC.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      B --                                           50   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      B --                                           51   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Cl                                           52   F  iC.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Cl                                           53   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Cl                                           54   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Br                                           55   F  iC.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Br                                           56   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Br                                           57   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      D --                                           58   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      D --                                           59   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      D --                                           60   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      E --                                           61   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      E --                                           62   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      E --                                           63   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      F --                                           64   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      F --                                           65   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      F --                                           66   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      G --                                           67   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      G --                                           68   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      H --                                           69   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      H --                                           70   F  Cl   1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      H --                                           71   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     72   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH(CH.sub.3)OH                                                                            A CH.sub.3                                     73   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A CH.sub.3                                     74   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     75   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     76   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH(CH.sub.3)OCOCH.sub.3                                                                   A CH.sub.3                                     77   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                             A CH.sub.3                                     78   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OSi(CH.sub.3).sub.2 C                                                   A CH.sub.3                                                          H(CH.sub.3).sub.2                                         79   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     80   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH(CH.sub.3)OH                                                                            A CH.sub.3                                     81   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A CH.sub.3                                     82   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     83   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                             A CH.sub.3                                     84   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A NH.sub.2                                     85   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A NH.sub.2                                     86   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               B --                                           87   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        B --                                           88   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               C Cl                                           89   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        C Cl                                           90   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               C Br                                           91   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        C Br                                           92   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               D --                                           93   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               E --                                           94   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               F --                                           95   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               G --                                           96   F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               H --                                           97   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A CH.sub.3                                     98   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A NH.sub.2                                     99   F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        B --                                           100  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        C Cl                                           101  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        C Br                                           102  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        D --                                           103  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        E --                                           104  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        F --                                           105  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        G --                                           106  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            0 -- H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        H --                                           107  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A CH.sub.3                                     108  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A CH.sub.3                                     109  F  Cl   1 CH.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A CH.sub.3                                     110  F  Br   1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A CH.sub.3                                     111  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A NH.sub.2                                     112  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A NH.sub.2                                     113  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A NH.sub.2                                     114  F  Cl   1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        A NH.sub.2                                     115  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        B --                                           116  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        C Br                                           117  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        D --                                           118  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        E --                                           119  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        F --                                           120  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        G --                                           121  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                        H --                                           122  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH(OCH.sub.3).sub.2                                                                       A CH.sub.3                                     123  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH(OC.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2                                                                A NH.sub.2                                     124  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        A CH.sub.3                                     125  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        C Cl                                           126  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          C N        A NH.sub.2                                     127  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CHNOCH.sub.3                                                                              A CH.sub.3                                     128  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CHNOCH.sub.3                                                                              A NH.sub.2                                     129  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  1,3-dioxan-4-yl                                                                           A CH.sub.3                                     130  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  2,2-dimethyl-1,3-                                                                         A CH.sub.3                                                          dioxolan-4-yl                                             131  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     132  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                             A CH.sub.3                                     133  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OSi(CH.sub.3).sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.3                                            A CH.sub.3                                     134  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                             A CH.sub.3                                     135  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      C Cl                                           136  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                             C Cl                                           137  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      B --                                           138  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3                                                             B --                                           139  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CHO        A CH.sub.3                                     140  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CHO        A NH.sub.2                                     141  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     142  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     143  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CH(CH.sub.3)OH                                                                            A CH.sub.3                                     144  F  Cl   1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Br CH(CH.sub.3)OCOCH.sub.3                                                                   A CH.sub.3                                     145  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 S  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     146  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 S  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     147  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OCONHCH.sub.3                                                                    A CH.sub.3                                     148  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OCONHCH.sub.3                                                                    A CH.sub.3                                     149  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OCONH.O slashed.                                                                 A CH.sub.3                                     150  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OCONHC.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                             A CH.sub.3                                     151  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OCOPNHCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2                                                         A CH.sub.3                                     152  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H                                                                                  ##STR21## A CH.sub.3                                     153  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         A NH.sub.2                                     154  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         A NH.sub.2                                     155  H  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         A CH.sub.3                                     156  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         A CH.sub.3                                     157  H  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         A CH.sub.3                                     158  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                         A CH.sub.3                                     159  F  Cl   1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl C N        A CH.sub.3                                     160  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 CH.sub.2                                                                          Cl C N        A CH.sub.3                                     161  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 NHSO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                              A CH.sub.3                                     162  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 NHCOCH.sub.3                                                                     A CH.sub.3                                     163  F  CH.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 NHCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                              A CH.sub.3                                     164  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 S  CH.sub.3                                                                          C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A CH.sub.3                                     165  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 S  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      A NH.sub.3                                     166  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 S  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     167  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 S  CH.sub.3                                                                          1,3-dioxan-4-yl                                                                           A CH.sub.3                                     168  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 S  CH.sub.3                                                                          1,3-dioxan-4-yl                                                                           A NH.sub.2                                     169  F  OCH.sub.3                                                                           1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     170  F  OC.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     171  F  OC.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A NH.sub.2                                     172  F  C.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     173  F  CF.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     174  H  CF.sub.3                                                                            1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     175  H  C.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     176  H  OC.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     177  H  OCH.sub.3                                                                           1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     178  H  OC.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                    1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     179  H  CHCH.sub.2                                                                          1 O  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               A CH.sub.3                                     180  H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                      J --                                           181  F  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                     1 O  H  CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               J --                                            ##STR22##                                                                     __________________________________________________________________________

where W and Z are oxygen, X is hydrogen, Y is ethyl, n is 1, R is methyl, R¹ is C(CH₃)₂ OH, and Q is moiety A

    ______________________________________                                         Cmpd. No.     R.sup.2                                                          ______________________________________                                         182           H                                                                183           NH.sub.2                                                         184           C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                  185           C.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                  186           CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2                                               187           C.sub.3 H.sub.6 F                                                188           CHF.sub.2                                                        189           CH.sub.2 CN                                                      190           CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                191           CH.sub.2 CHCH.sub.2                                              192           CH.sub.2 C CH                                                    193           Na                                                               193           CH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5                                         194           CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                ##STR23##                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

where W is sulfur

    ______________________________________                                         Cmpd                                                                           No.    X     Y      n   Z    R    R.sup.1 Q   R.sup.2 or                       ______________________________________                                                                                       R.sup.3                          196    H     CH.sub.3                                                                              1   O    CH.sub.3                                                                            C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                   A   CH.sub.3                         197    H     Cl     1   O    CH.sub.3                                                                            C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                   F   --                               198    H     C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                       1   O    CH.sub.3                                                                            C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                   A   CH.sub.3                         199    H     C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                       1   O    CH.sub.3                                                                            C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                   A   NH.sub.2                         200    H     C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                       1   CH.sub.2                                                                            CH.sub.3                                                                            C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                   B   --                               201    H     C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                       1   CH.sub.2                                                                            H    C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                   C   Cl                               202    F     CH.sub.3                                                                              1   O    CH.sub.3                                                                            CH.sub.2 OH                                                                            A   CH.sub.3                         203    F     Cl     1   O    CH.sub.3                                                                            CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3                                                                     A   NH.sub.2                         204    F     C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                       1   O    CH.sub.3                                                                            C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 OH                                                                   A   CH.sub.3                         ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Characterizing Data                                                                      MP (C.°)                                                                            MP        (C.°)                                   Cmpd No   Physical State                                                                             Cmpd No   Physical State                                 ______________________________________                                         1          51-55      129       118-121                                        2         OIL         130        88-90                                         3         OIL         131       GUMMY OIL                                      4         LIQUID      132       OIL                                            5          45-52      133       OIL                                            6         OIL         134       110-112                                        71        OIL         135       OIL                                            73          109-110.5 136       OIL                                            83        OIL         137       OIL                                            124       109-111     138       OIL                                            125       OIL         147       148-152                                        ______________________________________                                    

Biological Testing

The benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles of this invention were tested for pre- and postemergence herbicidal activity using a variety of crops and weeds. The test plants included soybean (Glycine max var. Winchester), field corn (Zea mays var. Pioneer 3732), wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Lew), morningglory (Ipomea lacunosa or Ipomea hederacea), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), green foxtail (Setaria viridis), Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), blackgrass (Aloepecurus myosuroides), common chickweed (Stellaria media), and common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.).

For preemergence testing, two disposable fiber flats (8 cm×15 cm×25 cm) for each rate of application of each candidate herbicide were filled to an approximate depth of 6.5 cm with steam-sterilized sandy loam soil. The soil was leveled and impressed with a template to provide five evenly spaced furrows 13 cm long and 0.5 cm deep in each flat. Seeds of soybean, wheat, corn, green foxtail, and johnsongrass were planted in the furrows of the first flat, and seeds of velvetleaf, morningglory, common chickweed, cocklebur, and blackgrass were planted in the furrows of the second flat. The five-row template was employed to firmly press the seeds into place. A topping soil of equal portions of sand and sandy loam soil was placed uniformly on top of each flat to a depth of approximately 0.5 cm. Flats for postemergence testing were prepared in the same manner except that they were planted 9-14 days prior to the preemergence flats and were placed in a greenhouse and watered, thus allowing the seeds to germinate and the foliage to develop.

In both pre- and postemergence tests, a stock solution of the candidate herbicide was prepared by dissolving 0.27g of the compound in 20 mL of water/acetone (50/50) containing 0.5% v/v sorbitan monolaurate. For an application rate of 3000 g/ha of herbicide a 10 mL portion of the stock solution was diluted with water/acetone (50/50) to 45 mL. The volumes of stock solution and diluent used to prepare solutions for lower application rates are shown in the following table:

    ______________________________________                                         Application                                                                            Volume (mL) of                                                                             Volume (mL) of                                                                             Total Volume (mL)                              Rate (g/ha)                                                                            Stock Solution                                                                             Acetone/Water                                                                              of Spray Solution                              ______________________________________                                         3000    10          35          45                                             1000    3           42          45                                             300     1           44          45                                             100     0.3         45          45.3                                           30      0.1         45          45.1                                           10      0.03        45          45.03                                          3       0.01        45          45.01                                          ______________________________________                                    

The preemergence flats were initially subjected to a light water spray. The four flats were placed two by two along a conveyor belt (i.e., the two preemergence followed by the two postemergence flats). The conveyor belt fed under a spray nozzle mounted about ten inches above the postemergent foliage. The preemergent flats were elevated on the belt so that the soil surface was at the same level below the spray nozzle as the foliage canopy of the postemergent plants. The spray of herbicidal solution was commenced and once stabilized, the flats were passed under the spray at a speed to receive a coverage equivalent of 1000L/ha. At this coverage the application rates are those shown in the above table for the individual herbicidal solutions. The preemergence flats were watered immediately thereafter, placed in the greenhouse and watered regularly at the soil surface. The postemergence flats were immediately placed in the green-house and not watered until 24 hours after treatment with the test solution. Thereafter they were regularly watered at ground level. After 12-17 days the plants were examined and the phytotoxicity data were recorded.

Herbicidal activity data at selected application rates are given for various compounds of this invention in Table 1 and Table 2 The test compounds are identified by numbers which correspond to those in Table 1.

Phytotoxicity data were taken as percent control. Percent control was determined by a method similar to the 0 to 100 rating system disclosed in "Research Methods in Weed Science," 2nd ed., B. Truelove, Ed.; Southern Weed Science Society; Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., 1977. The rating system is as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Herbicide Rating System                                                        Rating                                                                               Description                                                              Percent                                                                              of Main    Crop           Weed                                           Control                                                                              Categories Description    Description                                    ______________________________________                                         0     No effect  No crop        No weed                                                         reduction or injury                                                                           control                                        10               Slight discoloration                                                                          Very poor weed                                                  or stunting    control                                        20    Slight     Some discoloration                                                                            Poor weed                                            effect     stunting or stand loss                                                                        control                                        30               Crop injury more                                                                              Poor to deficient                                               pronounced but not                                                                            weed control                                                    lasting                                                       40               Moderate injury,                                                                              Deficient weed                                                  crop usually recovers                                                                         control                                        50    Moderate   Crop injury more lasting                                                                      Deficient to                                         effect     recovery doubtful                                                                             moderate                                                                       weed control                                   60               Lasting crop injury                                                                           Moderate weed                                                   no recovery    control                                        70               Heavy injury and                                                                              Control                                                         stand loss     somewhat                                                                       less than                                                                      satisfactory                                   80    Severe     Crop nearly destroyed,                                                                        Satisfactory to                                                 a few survivors                                                                               good weed                                                                      control                                        90               Only occasional live                                                                          Very good to                                                    plants left    excellent control                              100   Complete   Complete crop  Complete weed                                        effect     destruction    destruction                                    ______________________________________                                    

Formulation

The compounds of this invention were tested in the laboratory as water/acetone (50/50) solutions containing 0.5% v/v sorbitan monolaurate emulsifier. It is expected that all formulations normally employed in applications of herbicides would be usable with the compounds of the present invention. These include wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, water suspensions, flowable concentrates, and the like. The pre-and post-emergence activity of selected compounds are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________     PREEMERGENCE HERBICIDAL ACTIVITY (% CONTROL)                                   Cmpd                                                                           No  SOY                                                                               WHT                                                                               CRN                                                                               ABUTH                                                                               IPOSS                                                                              STEME                                                                              XANPE                                                                              ALOMY                                                                               SETVI                                                                              SORHA                                   __________________________________________________________________________     1   80 60 90 100  100 100 100 70   100 80                                      2   10 25 15 70   60  90  ND  ND   50  10                                      3   30 40 30 100  100 100 30  ND   60  20                                      4   70 60 40 100  100 100 90  ND   100 60                                      5   70 60 75 100  100 100 ND  ND   80  30                                      6   80 40 80 100  100 100 95  ND   100 90                                      71  60 50 50 100  100 100 100 85   100 90                                      73  60 40 70 100  100 100 90  60   100 65                                      83  30 30 40 100  100 100 100 80   100 70                                      124 30 30 50 100  100 100 70  ND   80  60                                      125 10 30 10 70   70  100 70  ND   70  50                                      129 100                                                                               40 80 100  100 100 70  ND   100 60                                      130 70 40 60 100  100 100 100 ND   80  50                                      131 90 50 70 100  100 100 85  65   100 90                                      132 60 40 70 100  100 100 80  60   80  50                                      133 30 10 50 100  70  100 70  70   70  55                                      134 80 40 80 100  70  100 60  50   100 95                                      135 40 35 0  100  90  100 65  50   90  20                                      136 10 10 20 100  70  100 30  60   50  40                                      137 40 30 30 100  100 100 70  60   100 60                                      138 40 60 40 100  100 100 50  60   100 75                                      147 100                                                                               30 60 100  100 100 90  ND   80  80                                      __________________________________________________________________________      Rate of Application is 0.3 Kg/Ha                                               SOY is soybean, WHT is wheat, CRN is corn, ABUTH is velvetleaf, IPOSS is       morningglory, STEMME is chickweed, XANPE is cocklebur, ALOMY is                blackgrass, SETVI is green foxtail, and SORHA is johnsongrass                  ND is no data                                                            

                                      TABLE 4                                      __________________________________________________________________________     POSTEMERGENCE HERBICIDAL ACTIVITY (% CONTROL)                                  Cmpd                                                                           No  SOY                                                                               WHT                                                                               CRN                                                                               ABUTH                                                                               IPOSS                                                                              STEME                                                                              XANPE                                                                              ALOMY                                                                               SETVI                                                                              SORHA                                   __________________________________________________________________________     1   80 60 80 100  100 100 100 50   80  60                                      2   70 40 40 100  100 100  70 40   50  30                                      3   80 35 80 100  100 100 100 50   90  25                                      4   100                                                                               60 90 100  100 100 100 ND   100 70                                      5   95 50 70 100  100 100 100 ND   70  30                                      6   85 70 100                                                                               100  100 ND  100 90   100 100                                     71  80 50 80 100  100 ND  100 70   100 90                                      73  95 40 80 100  100 100 100 50   100 80                                      83  70 60 70 100  100 ND  ND  80   100 70                                      124 80 35 70 100  100 100 100 ND   80  70                                      125 55 30 75 90   100 100 100 ND   90  30                                      129 90 30 80 100  100 100 100 ND   100 90                                      130 80 20 70 100  100 100 100 ND   100 60                                      131 85 65 90 100  100 ND  100 80   80  85                                      132 70 30 80 100  100 100 100 40   90  60                                      133 90 30 80 100  100 100  90 30   100 60                                      134 70 35 90 100  100 100  90 40   100 75                                      135 75 50 100                                                                               100  100 ND  100 75   90  65                                      136 60 40 70 100  100 100 100 60   70  60                                      137 85 75 100                                                                               100  100 ND  100 90   100 90                                      138 70 60 80 100  100 100 100 70   100 100                                     147 90 30 90 100  100 100 100 70   90  70                                      __________________________________________________________________________

Herbicidal compositions are prepared by combining herbicidally effective amounts of the active compounds with adjuvants and carriers normally employed in the art for facilitating the dispersion of active ingredients for the particular utility desired, recognizing the fact that the formulation and mode of application of a toxicant may affect the activity of the material in a given application. Thus, for agricultural use the present herbicidal compounds may be formulated as granules of relatively large particle size, as water-soluble or water-dispersible granules, as powdery dusts, wettable powders, as emulsifiable concentrates, as solutions, or as any of several other known types of formulations, depending on the desired mode of application. It is to be understood that the amounts specified in this specification are intended to be approximate only, as if the word "about" were placed in front of the amounts specified.

These herbicidal compositions may be applied either as water-diluted sprays, or dusts, or granules to the areas in which suppression of vegetation is desired. These formulations may contain as little as 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.5% to as much as 95% or more by weight of active ingredient.

Dusts are free flowing admixtures of the active ingredient with finely divided solids such as talc, natural clays, kieselguhr, flours such as walnut shell and cottonseed flours, and other organic and inorganic solids which act as dispersants and carriers for the toxicant; these finely divided solids have an average particle size of less than about 50 microns. A typical dust formulation useful herein is one containing 1.0 part or less of the herbicidal compound and 99.0 parts of talc.

Wettable powders, also useful formulations for both pre- and post-emergence herbicides, are in the form of finely divided particles which disperse readily in water or other dispersant. The wettable powder is ultimately applied to the soil either as a dry dust or as an emulsion in water or other liquid. Typical carriers for wettable powders include Fuller's earth, kaolin clays, silicas, and other highly absorbent, readily wet inorganic diluents. Wettable powders normally are prepared to contain about 5-80% of active ingredient, depending on the absorbency of the carrier, and usually also contain a small amount of a wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agent to facilitate dispersion. For example, a useful wettable powder formulation contains 80.0 parts of the herbicidal compound, 17.9 parts of Palmetto clay, and 1.0 part of sodium lignosulfonate and 0.3 part of sulfonated aliphatic polyester as wetting agents. Additional wetting agent and/or oil will frequently be added to the tank mix for postemergence application to facilitate dispersion on the foliage and absorption by the plant.

Other useful formulations for herbicidal applications are emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) which are homogeneous liquid compositions dispersible in water or other dispersant, and may consist entirely of the herbicidal compound and a liquid or solid emulsifying agent, or may also contain a liquid carrier, such as xylene, heavy aromatic naphthas, isphorone, or other non-volatile organic solvents. For herbicidal application these concentrates are dispersed in water or other liquid carrier and normally applied as a spray to the area to be treated. The percentage by weight of the essential active ingredient may vary according to the manner in which the composition is to be applied, but in general comprises 0.5 to 95% of active ingredient by weight of the herbicidal composition.

Flowable formulations are similar to ECs except that the active ingredient is suspended in a liquid carrier, generally water. Flowables, like ECs, may include a small amount of a surfactant, and will typically contain active ingredients in the range of 0.5 to 95%, frequently from 10 to 50%, by weight of the composition. For application, flowables may be diluted in water or other liquid vehicle, and are normally applied as a spray to the area to be treated.

Typical wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agents used in agricultural formulations include, but are not limited to, the alkyl and alkylaryl sulfonates and sulfates and their sodium salts; alkylaryl polyether alcohols; sulfated higher alcohols; polyethylene oxides; sulfonated animal and vegetable oils; sulfonated petroleum oils; fatty acid esters of polyhydric alcohols and the ethylene oxide addition products of such esters; and the addition product of long chain mercaptans and ethylene oxide. Many other types of useful surface-active agents are available in commerce. Surface-active agents, when used, normally comprise 1 to 15 % by weight of the composition.

Other useful formulations include suspensions of the active ingredient in a relatively non-volatile solvent such as water, corn oil, kerosene, propylene glycol, or other suitable solvents.

Still other useful formulations for herbicidal applications include simple solutions of the active ingredient in a solvent in which it is completely soluble at the desired concentration, such as acetone, alkylated naphthalenes, xylene, or other organic solvents. Granular formulations, wherein the toxicant is carried on relative coarse particles, are of particular utility for aerial distribution or for penetration of cover crop canopy. Pressurized sprays, typically aerosols wherein the active ingredient is dispersed in finely divided form as a result of vaporization of a low-boiling dispersant solvent carrier, such as the Freon fluorinated hydrocarbons, may also be used. Water-soluble or water-dispersible granules are free-flowing, non-dusty, and readily water-soluble or water-miscible. The soluble or dispersible granular formulations described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,920,442 are useful herein with the present herbicidal compounds. In use by the farmer on the field, the granular formulations, emulsifiable concentrates, flowable concentrates, solutions, etc., may be diluted with water to give a concentration of active ingredient in the range of say 0.1% or 0.2% to 1.5% or 2%.

The herbicidal compounds of this invention may be formulated and/or applied with insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, or other agricultural chemicals and may be used as effective soil sterilants as well as selective herbicides in agriculture. In applying an active compound of this invention, whether formulated alone or with other agricultural chemicals, an effective amount and concentration of the active compound is of course employed; the amount may be as low as, e.g. about 1 to 250 g/ha, preferably about 4 to 30 g/ha. For field use, where there are losses of herbicide, higher application rates (e.g., four times the rates mentioned above) may be employed.

The active herbicidal compounds of the present invention may also be used in combination with other herbicides. Therefore, one aspect of this invention relates to an herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of a compound of formula I and an herbicidally effective amount of another herbicide. Such herbicides include, for example: N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine ("glyphosate"); aryloxyalkanoic acids such as (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid ("2,4-D"), (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid ("MCPA"), (+/-)-2-(4chloro-2-methylphenoxy)propanoic acid ("MCPP"); ureas such as N,N-dimethyl-N'- 4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl!urea ("isoproturon"); imidazolinones such as 2- 4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl!-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid ("imazapyr"), a reaction product comprising (+/-)-2- 4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl!-4-methylbenzoic acid and (+/-)2- 4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1 -methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl!-5-methylbenzoic acid ("imazamethabenz"), (+/-)-2- 4,5-dihydro-4-methyl4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl!-5-ethyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid ("imazethapyr"), and (+/-)-2- 4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl!-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid ("imazaquin"); diphenyl ethers such as 5- 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy!-2-nitrobenzoic acid ("acifluorfen"), methyl 5-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-2-nitrobenzoate ("bifenox"), and 5- 2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy!-N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzamide ("fomasafen"); hydroxybenzonitriles such as 4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodobenzonitrile ("ioxynil") and 3,5-dibromo-4hydroxybenzonitrile ("bromoxynil"); sulfonylureas such as 2- (4chloro-6-methoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino!carbonyl!amino!sulfonyl!benzoic acid ("chlorimuron"), 2-chloro-N- (4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino!carbonyl!benzenesulfonamide (achlorsulfuron"), 2- (4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino!carbonyl!amino!sufonyl!methyl!-benzoic acid ("bensulfuron"), 2- (4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino!carbonyl!amino!sulfonyl!-1-methy-1H-pyrazol-4-carboxylic acid ("pyrazosulfuron"), 3- (4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino!carbonyl!amino!sulfonyl!-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid ("thifensulfuron"), and 2-(2-chloroethoxy)-N (4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino!carbonyl!benzenesulfonamide ("triasulfuron"); 2-(4-aryloxyphenoxy)alkanoic acids such as (+/-)-2 4- (6-chloro-2-benzoxazolyl)oxy!phenoxy!propanoic acid ("fenoxaprop"), (+/-)-2- 4 5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl!oxy!phenoxy!propanoic acid ("fluazifop"), (+/-) -2- 4-(6chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy!phenoxy!propanoic acid ("quizalofop"), and (+/-) -2- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy!propanoic acid ("diclofop"); benzothiadiazinones such as 3-(1-methylethyl)-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide ("bentazone"); 2-chloroacetanilides such as N-(butoxymethyl)-2-chloro-2',6'-diethyacetanilide ("butachlor"); arenecarboxylic acids such as 3,6-dichloro2-methoxybenzoic acid ("dicamba"); and pyridyloxyacetic acids such as (4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy!acetic acid ("fluroxypyr").

The herbicidal compounds of this invention are also useful as cotton defoliation and potato dessication agents. Such agents aid in the harvesting of the cotton and potato crops.

It is apparent that various modifications may be made in the formulations and application of the compounds of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts herein, as defined in the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A compound having the formula ##STR24## where Q is ##STR25## W is oxygen or sulfur; X is hydrogen, halogen, or lower alkyl;Y is hydrogen, halogen, straight or branched chain lower alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, phenyl, or phenoxy; n is 0 or 1; Z is oxygen, sulfur, or CH₂ ; R is hydrogen, halogen, or lower alkyl; R¹ is cyano, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, dialkoxyalkyl, trialkylsilyloxyalkyl, formyl, carboxyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyloxyalkyl, alkylcarbonylaminoalky, alkoxycarbonylaminoalkyl, alkylsulfonylaminoalkyl, alkyaminocarbonyloxyalkyl, arylaminocarbonyloxyalkyl, alkoxyiminoalkyl, epoxy, 1,3-dioxan-4-yl, or 2,2-dialkyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl; R² is hydrogen, amino, straight or branched chain alkyl, haloalkyl, cyanoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, arylalkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or sodium salt; and R³ is halogen; with the proviso that when Z is oxygen and n is 1, R¹ is other than alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, or alkylcarbonyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3-yl.
 3. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-on-1-yl.
 4. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 4-halo-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methylpyrazol-3-yl.
 5. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimid-1-yl.
 6. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 8-thia-1,6-diazabicyclo 4.3.0!-nonane-7-on-9-iminoyl.
 7. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-dion-2-yl.
 8. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-2-yl.
 9. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 1,4-dihydro-4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5H-tetrazole-5-on-1-yl.
 10. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo- 4,3-a!pyridin-3(2H)-on-2-yl.
 11. The compound of claim 1 where W is oxygen; X is hydrogen or fluoro; Y is methyl or ethyl; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is methyl; and R¹ is hydroxyalkyl or CH₂ OCONHCH₃.
 12. The compound of claim 1 where Q is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3-yl; W is oxygen; X is hydrogen or fluoro; Y is methyl or ethyl; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is methyl; R¹ is hydroxyalkyl or CH₂ OCONHCH₃ ; and R² is methyl or amino.
 13. The compound of claim 12 where R¹ is CH₂ OH, C(CH₃)₂ OH, or CH₂ OCONHCH₃.
 14. A compound having the formula ##STR26## where Y is hydrogen, halogen, straight or branched chain lower alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, phenyl, or phenoxy;U is formyl or CH₂ -T; T is chloro, bromo, hydroxy, or 1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxy; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is hydrogen, halogen, or lower alkyl; and R¹ is cyano, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, 1,1-dimethylethyldimethylsilyloxyalkyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl, or 1,3-dioxan-4-yl;with the proviso that when Y is methyl, U is formyl, and R is hydrogen, R¹ is other than alkoxyalkyl.
 15. An herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of a compound of claim 1, and an herbicidally compatible carrier therefor.
 16. An herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of a compound of claim 1 and an herbicidally effective amount of another herbicide.
 17. The herbicidal composition of claim 16 further comprising an herbicidally compatible carrier therefor.
 18. A method of controlling undesired plant growth, comprising application of an herbicidally effective amount of a composition of claim 16 to a locus where the undesired plants are growing or are expected to grow.
 19. A method of controlling undesired plant growth, comprising application of an herbicidally effective amount of a composition of claim 17 to the locus where the undesired plants are growing or are expected to grow.
 20. A method of controlling undesired plant growth, comprising application of an herbicidally effective amount of a composition of claim 15 to a locus where the undesired plants are growing or are expected to grow. 